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Read the online version if links don't work in this PLCopen Update. |
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September 2009 |
Sponsor: Beckhoff Automation |
Boost your system performance, not your controls expenses!
TwinCAT® is the PLCopen-compliant automation software package from Beckhoff Automation. This IEC 61131-3 programming environment turns any compatible PC into a dynamic, yet low cost multi-PLC and motion system for high end automation.
Beckhoff offers TwinCAT without the yearly upgrade fees, expensive service contracts or other hidden costs often seen from other PLC software platforms.
Download a 30-day trial of TwinCAT
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| In this Issue |
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| Featured Articles |
PLCopen XML Standard Update
By Bill Lydon, Automation.com
PLCopen finalized release 2.1 of the PLCopen Technical Committee 6 – XML Standard. This release 2.1 is based version 2.0 published in December 2008, as well as the feedback received from PLCopen members and the AutomationML organization. Here’s a synopsis of what the standard contains.
Coder’s Corner: PLCopen Standards Architecture & Data Typing
By Dr. Ken Ryan, Alexandria Technical College
This is the first in a series of articles focused on writing code using the IEC 61131-3 programming standard. This article outlines the major components of the software model. Later tutorials will focus on specifics of the POUs with emphasis on the differences between programs, function blocks and functions.
OPC UA Redefines Automation Architectures
By Bill Lydon, Automation.com
The new OPC UA technology provides an efficient and secure infrastructure for communications - from sensor to business enterprise computing for all automation systems in manufacturing and process control. OPC UA leverages web services to provide a single programming paradigm in a scalable architecture that can be implemented is a range of devices - from embedded to enterprise.
Return on Imagination - Honeywell User Group (HUG) 2009
By Bill Lydon, Automation.com
Honeywell Process Solutions continues to grow in a number of dimensions including: additional products, wireless, energy, PLCs, independent system integrator initiatives, and Integrated Master Automation Contractor (IMAC) focus. This year’s attendance was lower than previous years, but David Wade, Honeywell Users Group Americas Chairman, officially opened the HUG 2009 conference commenting that there were more than 50% new attendees.
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Browse more articles on the PLCopen portal.
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| Product Announcements |
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| Other Product Announcements
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| Resources & Literature |
Infoteam's OpenPCS PLC software available for free
Version 6.2.1 of OpenPCS IEC 61131-3 automation suite is free of charge and needs no registration.
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Browse more resources and literature on the PLCopen portal.
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| Application Stories |
New production line in record time
Control Engineering, September 2009
The Southland Tube mill in Birmingham, AL (USA) is an all-Siemens plant that uses PLCs, dc drives, motor starters, Profibus, WinCC software and Step 7 project management software. The line started up in only two weeks, and the second piece of steel tubing that came off the mill was sellable.
Optimizing Energy and Operations for Cement Production
Control Engineering, September 2009
By Iltaf Khan, Lehigh Cement, and Moin Shaikh, Siemens
Lehigh Cement Company's Union Bridge, MD (USA) plant integrated process control and energy management to improve efficiencies across the facility. They installed Simatic PCS 7 and the Cemat application library from Siemens to control raw material processing, preheater and kiln, clinker grinding, packaging, and storage.
Saving the world, one controller at a time
Process & Control Engineering, August 2009
By Martin Kolos, Yokogawa Australia
The Australian National University has developed technology that makes large scale solar thermal power generation commercially-viable. And a Yokogawa PLC is playing a critical role.
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Browse more application stories on the PLCopen portal.
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| Company & Organizational News |
PLCopen Fluid Power Task Force Kick-off Meeting
On June 23, 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany, the PLCopen Fluid Power Task Force had its first technical meeting to define function blocks for fluid power and hydraulic applications. Founding members of the task group include Bosch Rexroth, Eaton and Parker Hannifin bringing broad fluid power and controls experience; B&R, Eckelmann, ISG, Siemens representing control and integration expertise; 3S CoDeSys with a commitment of tightly integrated control software tools.
ABB Q2 revenues down
Orders decreased across all divisions and regions compared to the second quarter of 2008 on a combination of lower volumes and price decreases resulting from both lower raw material costs and reduced demand.
PLCopen accredits Shenyang Institute of Automation as test laboratory
Accreditation is recognition that the test laboratory is competent to carry out tests in compliance with PLCopen guidelines for the certification of IEC 61131-3 related products.
DCS market survives with services
While 2009 and 2010 look to be challenging years, the opportunity to drive growth in services remains substantial and will continue to drive growth in the overall DCS market well into the next decade.
Smart Software Solutions celebrates 15th Anniversary
Dieter Hess and Manfred Werner founded the independent software company 3S-Smart Software Solutions in July 1994.
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Browse more company and organizational news on the PLCopen portal. |
| Featured Events |
PackExpo
October 5-7, 2009 Las Vegas, NV
PACK EXPO is the most complete packaging show in the world’s largest market. Co-located with PROCESS EXPO and CPP EXPO, PACK EXPO is the centerpiece of a week full of packaging events. PLCopen will have a booth at the PackExpo 2009 conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
ISA EXPO 2009
October 6-10, 2009 Houston, Texas
ISA EXPO is focused on the technology and techniques of automation and control. Organized around the six core themes central to automation and control, ISA EXPO 2009 provides attendees unlimited opportunity to explore key technologies, discover professional growth, and interact with like minded professionals.
SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2009
November 24-26, 2009 Nuremburg, Germany
SPS/IPC/DRIVES is the exhibition for electric automation technology. It covers all components down to the system and offers herewith integrated automation solutions. Exhibitors and visitors profit from the advantage that visiting numerous exhibitions on components becomes superfluous. PLCopen will have a booth.
CoDeSys Summit
20 CoDeSys System Partners and Distributors met in Kempten for a four-day Summit to update their knowledge on CoDeSys.
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Browse more industry events on the PLCopen portal.
Add an event to our calendar. |
I hope you enjoyed this PLCopen update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com
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